Property tax is collected by local governments to provide for the many services most of us take for granted. Schools, police and fire protection, County roads, and public libraries are possible because of revenue from the property tax. We are all asked to pay our fair share of the cost of these services by paying tax in proportion to the market value of our property.

If you own a home, you want to be sure to obtain the 4% assessment rate if you live in the home as your legal residence. Otherwise, your tax rate will be 6%. To obtain the lower rate, you will need to complete an application with the County Assessor. This should be done as soon as you move into your house, but may be filed anytime before January 16 (or the first penalty date). Once you file this application, you will not need to complete another one unless ownership changes or use of the property changes.

AGRICULTURALIf you owned a tract of real property in Hampton County on January 1 of the current tax year and it was used "to raise, harvest or store crops, feed, breed, or manage livestock, or to produce plants, trees, fowl, or animals useful to man . . ." you may qualify for a "special assessment" that will reduce your taxes. There are no residency requirements. An application must be filed with the Assessor before the first penalty date for taxes due.

LEGAL RESIDENCEIf you are a resident of Hampton County and the home/mobile home you own and occupy is your primary legal residence, you may be eligible to file for a special assessment ratio that will reduce your taxes. An application must be filed with the Assessor before the first penalty date for taxes due.

Each homeowner is allowed an exemption of the home’s fair market value from property taxes for school operating costs. The amount of the savings will vary depending upon the millage rate for school operating costs in the school district where you live. The exemption applies only to your legal residence, not second homes, vacation homes, or rental homes.

MULTIPLE LOT DISCOUNTIf you owned undeveloped acreage that was subdivided into 10 or more unsold lots within a homogenous area, and the conditional or final plat was recorded with the appropriate county official on or before the December 31 tax control date, you may qualify for a discount in appraisal/assessment. Platted lots will not quality for this discount unless the property owner files a written application on or before May 1 of the current tax year.

Counties must mail a property tax assessment notice to all property owners whose property’s fair market value increases by $1,000 or more. An assessment notice must be sent to the person listed as property owner as of December 31 of the prior year.

The assessment notice is NOT a tax bill. The notice is simply to notify taxpayers of a change in their property’s value.

Tax bills are usually mailed in September/October and must be paid by January 15.

The assessment notice includes your market value, the new assessment value, the assessment ratio, number of acres or lots, location of property, tax map number and the appeals procedure.

According to South Carolina law, in years when there is no notice of property tax assessment, the property taxpayer may appeal the fair market value, the special use value, the assessment ratio, and the property tax assessment of a parcel of property at any time. The appeal must be submited in writing to the Assessor. An appeal submitted before the first penalty date applies for the property tax year for which that penalty would apply. An appeal submitted on or after the first penalty date applies for the succeeding property tax year.

If after receiving your assessment notice, you disagree with the new value assigned to your property, you have the right to appeal. An appeal must be filed in writing within 90 days of the date of the assessment notice. You must file your appeal with the County Assessor. Don't wait until your tax bill arrives to appeal your new value; it is then too late.

1. A current and valid photo identification showing the voter's name and picture.2. A current utility bill that lists their name and address.3. Bank statement that lists their name and address.4. Government check that lists their name and address.5. Paycheck that lists their name and address.6. Government document that lists their name and address.7. Identification requirements do not apply to UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) citizens registering to vote using the Federal Post Card Application, citizens age 65 or older, or disabled citizens.

No, you do not register by party in S.C. The law requires that to vote in a primary election, the voter must choose one political party in which to cast his/her ballot. By voting in a party's primary, the voter is selecting representatives to run in the general election for that political party.

You can register to vote again after you have completed your entire sentence by release from imprisonment, completion of probation and parole, and the full payment of restitution imposed by the sentence of the court.

You must submit the following:1. Two complete sets of plans showing: a. foundation which should include piers, footings, straps, anchors, and curtain wall. b. a floor framing detail. c. a typical wall section. d. a roof framing detail including the type of roofing materials. e. electrical plans. f. HVAC and plumbing plans.2. A site plan showing the new building in respect to all other buildings and setbacks from the property lines.3. If any plumbing is being installed and you do not already have a septic system or sewer you will need a septic system permit from the Deparment of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or a letter from the town authorizing water and sewer service.4. An Encroachment Permit for a driveway from the South Carolina State Highway Department may be needed.

Yes, only under the following circumstances:1. If the total value is less than $5,000.002. If the property will be used solely by the owner and his immediate family as a residence for a period of at least two (2) years.3. If the project is a farm building or portable storage building less than five thousand (5,000) square feet used only for livestock or storage of farm equipment.All other work must be performed by properly licensed contractors. All persons directly employed by the owner to work on the project are subject to state and federal laws covering occupational safety, family and medical leave, workers' compensation, social security, income tax withholding, and minimum wage requirements. Work performed must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes and zoning regulations.

Our office does not provide record checks. We do provide a certificate as to anything filed of record at a cost of $1.00 per certificate. Individuals requesting the certificate must come into the office with proper I.D.

This office does not have the capabilities to process credit card payments. We also do not accept personal checks. You may mail your child support payments to Hampton County Family Court, P.O. Box 7, Hampton, SC 29924. You must provide your case number(s) on all payments.

You must serve on jury duty unless: 1. you are over 65 years old and choose not to serve; 2. you have provided this office with a doctors excuse or statement stating that you have an illness that will not allow you to serve; 3. you have a child under the age of 7 and do not work outside the home. Any other reason would have to be addressed by the judge presiding at the term. Under certain circumstances, you may be excused or transferred to another term of court.

If the person that committed the offense is found, charged, and convicted the Court may order that person(s) responsible to clean up the debris or pay to have the property cleaned up. Hampton County is not responsible for the removal or cleaning of garbage/trash or any other debris from private property.

County Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings are held in County Council Chambers which is located in the Hampton County Administrative Center, 200 Jackson Avenue East. Changes regarding the regular meeting schedule are published and announced on the local radio. All meetings are open to the public.

Citizens or groups requesting to be placed on the agenda should send a written request to the Clerk to Council. The request should list: 1. Contact information for the person or group making the request. 2. The issue to be discussed. 3. What the person/group is requesting of Council regarding the matter. 4. The meeting date in which they are requesting to appear.There is also time dedicated during the regular meetings for public comments.

Hampton County Council welcomes anyone interested in applying for a position on a Board or Commission. Mail a completed application to: Hampton County Council, Attn: Aline Newton, Clerk to Council, 200 Jackson Avenue East, Hampton, SC 29924. If you are unable to download the application form, please call (803) 914-2103 to request an application or e-mail Aline Newton at anewton@hamptoncountysc.org.

No. Although we work closely with EMS, we are not the same. EMS personnel are the ones that respond to the location or scene of the emergency. We are the ones who receive the 911 calls and dispatches EMS to these calls. We are not a sub-unit or division of EMS. We are a separate entity with different functions. We are the point of contact for EMS as to getting help where it is needed. It is common for dispatchers to be trained as medical technician or paramedics. But, remember we are also trained in police and fire assistance. Therefore; we are called public safety.

No. We are located at 703 2nd Street West, Hampton and the jail is located at 411 Cemetery Road, Varnville. It is a common misconception that since we dispatch for Law Enforcement, we must be at the jail or police department. Although this may be the case in some areas, it is not in Hampton County. We are the point of contact for Law Enforcement in relation to getting help where it is needed. But once again, we are a separate entity.

1. First, a Damage Assessment Team assesses the damage of the affected and evacuated area. This team consists mainly of Public Safety Personnel.2. If only minor damage exists specifically to utilities such as power, water and sewer, and roadways, County Officials make the decision for the time for re-entry.3. If major damage occurred to buildings, utilities or roadways, the county provides property owners a time to visit and survey the damage of their property. To gain access to their property, owners must have a copy of the property title, or a tax receipt, or utility bill bearing the address of the property, and picture identification. A driver’s license showing a physical address is acceptable. Once utility companies restore damages and it is safe for entry, County Officials notify property owners that they may return to their property.

When the Governor orders a "Mandatory Evacuation", it is required that everyone in the designated area leave. The "Mandatory Evacuation" Order carries the force of state law. In addition, once you leave the area, the order prohibits you from returning until the Governor suspends the order.

Each individual and family in the evacuation zone should decide the best place to move to in the event of an evacuation. This may include staying with family or friends, or traveling to a motel outside the evacuation zone. Several local Red Cross Shelters also provide emergency shelter.

Hampton County is a licensed advance life support system. The ambulances are equipped to manage and maintain patients from the scene to the hospital. We carry all the necessary drugs and equipment to manage everything from heart attacks to major trauma patients.

Hampton County Emergency Medical Services is a licensed advanced life support service. The system has won several awards including the prestigious South Carolina large EMS system of the year. We respond to an average of three thousand calls a year with a dedicated staff and fleet of ambulances in the county.

We provide advanced life support services 24/7 out of 3 stations; Hampton, Estill and Yemassee. Not all ambulances in our area are owned by Hampton County. Hampton County ambulances are clearly marked on the front, back and sides of the unit. Many of the ambulances operating in Hampton County are operated by a for profit private ambulance service.

A paramedic is a person that usually works outside the hospital to provide initial medical treatment in the event of illness or injury. Paramedics work with many other professionals, such as firefighters, rescue, police, nurses, doctors and others, in order to provide treatment and stabilization to those in crisis. The paramedic is usually an extension of the doctor’s knowledge and skill. This means that the paramedic carries out examinations and treatments when a doctor is not available. There must be a high level of trust between the paramedic and the doctor.

No. The Grants Administration Office seeks grant opportunities for County departments and agencies to fun new or expand existing projects and services. This office also monitors grants to ensure that grant funds are expended in accordance and compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Magistrates hear several types of civil cases, the most common being Summons and Complaint (disputes over money, services, etc. valued at $7,500 or less), Claim & Delivery (procedures to recover personal property $7,500 or less), Evictions, Landlord/tenant disputes, Public Sales on Abandoned Property, and issuing Restraining Orders. You have to file a civil case in the County the defendant lives.

After you have notified the defendant of your intent to file, you will come to one of the Magistrates’ Court and fill out an information sheet that will briefly outline your complaint and any damages you believe you are entitled. Be sure to have the defendant’s physical address or a description of how to locate their premises, supporting documentation such as notices of evictions, contracts, bill of sales, titles, certified receipts and letters if mailed, and any other pertinent information concerning your suit. The Civil Court Clerk will enter your information into the computer system and produce documents to sign for your particular case. Filing fees are due at the time of filing. Our fees are: Summons & Complaint $ 70.00Claim & Delivery $ 55.00Evictions $ 30.00Summary Ejectment of Trespassers $ 55.00Judicial Sales $ 35.00

There will be a $ 10.00 Process Service Fee for all complaints served in addition to the filing fee. If you have any questions please call and the Civil Clerk will be glad to help.

One files civil cases in the county where the defendant lives or operates a business (if the claim is against the business itself). You may file civil suits against Corporations in the county where they do business.

Once rendered and the proper time limit has expired, present a Transcript of Judgment to the Clerk of Court Office where you may exercise one of two options. You may pay a small filing fee to have the transcript placed on the defendant’s record or you may pay a slightly higher fee to obtain and Execution Order; which you will present to the Sheriff’s Office in order to have property seized and sold for the judgment amount.

Crime victims must make a report with the Sheriff’s Department and then present a copy of the incident report to the Magistrate. The Magistrate will determine if there is enough probable cause to file an arrest warrant. The Sheriff’s Department will sign the arrest warrant.

A decision of the court may be appealed by making a written notice of your intent to appeal to the other party or parties involved, to the Summary Court, and the Common Pleas Court. You must pay a filing fee to Common Pleas. You must make written notice within 30 days, if it was a civil case and 10 days if it is a criminal case.

An expungement is destroying or sealing of your records of a criminal conviction. This includes records in files, on computer or any other records. Non-convictions are expunged. There are no fees for this type of expungement. After June 2, 2009, Magistrate Courts are required to expunge certain non-convictions automatically where the defendent had been finger printed at the time of arrest.

PTI is an abbreviation of the Pre-Trial Intervention Program. Defendants may only enroll in this program upon the recommendation of the court, officer, victim and attorney involved. There is an enrollment fee and participants are required to attend counseling sessions and complete a prescribed amount of community service hours. Successful completion of this program qualifies the participant to have an expungement of the criminal record for which the participant was enrolled. The Magistrate’s court completes the applications and forwards it to the PTI office for completion. You may contact any office for further details or contact the Pre-Trial Intervention Office in the Solicitor’s Office.

Neither you nor the Judge is allowed to discuss your case outside of the courtroom. Such discussions are considered ex porte communication, which is NOT permitted. The Clerks are able to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Age 16-18, birth certificate, social security card, parent or legal guardian with photo I.D. to accompany applying couple. Ages 18-21, birth certificate and social security card are required. Ages 21-25, a Military I. D., picture I. D. and social security card are required. Above age 25, social security card only is required.

Marriage license do not expire. Once the license is picked up from the Probate Court, there is no time for it to be used. The Court does request once the marriage is performed, the copies titled "Probate Judge" and "Probate Judge/DHEC", be returned to the issuing Court within 15 days from date of the ceremony.

There is a $25.00 annual registration fee for most instructional programs. All classes with paid instructors have a monthly fee depending on the instructor and length of class. Basketball is a one time fee per year. Most senior programs, special events and seasonal programming are free or at a nominal fee.

Landfill and Recycling Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. However, the Recycling Centers hours differ per location. For a complete list of Centers and hours see the "Recycling Centers" link under Solid Waste.

The Veterans Affairs office is open from Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm. We are closed from 12:00pm to 1:00pm for lunch. You can reach Betty W. Hodges, Veterans Affairs Officer, at (803) 914-2085.

You can apply for VA health care enrollment by completing VA Form 10-10EZ. The form may be obtained by visiting, calling or writing any VA Health Care Facility or Veterans' Benefits Office. You can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS or access the form by clicking on the link provided. Please be sure to sign your application to prevent a delay in the enrollment process. VA Form 10-10EZ

Abortions and abortion counseling; In vitro fertilization; Drugs, biological and medical devices not approved by the Food and Drug Administration unless the treating medical facility is conducting formal clinical trials under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) or an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, or the drugs, biologicals or medical devices are prescribed under a compassionate use exemption; Gender Alterations; Hospital and outpatient care for a veteran who is either a patient or inmate in an institution of another government agency if that agency has a duty to give the care or services; Membership in spas and health clubs.

Medication co-payments are charged for each 30 day or less supply of medication provided on an outpatient basis for nonservice-connected conditions. Exemptions from this co-payment requirement are provided for veterans service-connected 50% or more, former POWs, and for veterans whose income is less than the established dollar threshold. Also exempt from the medication co-payment are veterans receiving medication for the treatment of conditions related to agent orange, ionizing rediation, Persian Gulf, military sexual trauma, certain cancer of the head and neck and combat veterans.

Generally, hearing aids are not provided when the hearing loss is the result of aging. However, tha VA may provide you a hearing aid if you: received increased pension based on the need for regular aid & attendance or being permanently housebound, receive compensation for a service connected disability of 10% or greater, require this item for treatment of a service-connected condition, or are a former Prisoner of War.

Please be aware that the VA does not offer a low-cost prescription drug program. The VA offers healthcare benefits to honorably discharged veterans. This would include prescriptions that have been written by a VA doctor. Prescriptions written by non-VA doctors will not normally be filled or re-written by the VA. Only veterans with special eligiblity such as: Veterans who receive increased compensation from VA because they are housebound or need regular aid and attendance as a result of service-connected disabilities. Veterans who receive increased compensation from VA as veterans of periods of war because they are housebound or need regular aid and attendance. Veterans who previously received increased pension from Va, but VA discontinued their pensions because of their income, and their current annual income soes not exceed the maximum annual income by more than $1000 (must be housebound or need regular aid and served during periods of war, meet applicable income limitation and need aid and attendance or are housebound), but they receive compensation as the greater benefit. Under certain conditions if the veteran resides in a state home.